Robert Gillespie out as Tennessee's running backs coach

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Robert Gillespie is no longer part of Tennessee’s coaching staff after serving as running backs coach for the last five seasons.

Athletic director Phillip Fulmer confirmed Gillespie’s exit Wednesday while speaking to the Big Orange Tip Off Club and indicated the decision was made by new head coach Jeremy Pruitt. Volquest first reported Gillespie’s departure.

Gillespie was the lone remaining holdover from former coach Butch Jones’ staff. A replacement hasn’t been named.

Fulmer said “it was simply a matter of Coach Pruitt doing what he thought was right for his program and Robert.” Fulmer added that Gillespie “understood” the decision.

Tennessee had announced Gillespie as the running backs coach on Pruitt’s staff last week , but he was the only assistant whose contract expired in 2019 rather than 2020 or 2021.